Choosing a garden gate

Garden gates are not only functional; they can also add a lovely decorator touch to your entranceway. They can help protect your lawn and garden from damage done by pets or stray animals, and can also be an attractive feature on their own. If you’re looking for the perfect gate for your garden, here are a few tips to help you in your search.

Where to install a gate

Gates can be set into any type of existing fence, railing or barrier wall. To help control access to your home, consider installing a driveway gate to monitor access to your main entrance. In addition to a driveway gate, you can also install a small access gate for pedestrian use. These are especially convenient if you don’t want to bother with using your main gate when you’re taking a walk. Small-scale garden gates can also be installed to help protect your plants from kids, pets and stray animals. Basically, you should consider installing a gate in any area that you want to protect, yet still have easy access to.

Garden gates: Designs & materials

Garden gates are made in a wide variety of materials and styles. Here are a few of the most popular:

Metal gates: These are typically made from wrought iron or cast iron, as well as aluminium, brass and steel. Metal gates are strong and durable, and can be made to fit just about any dcor. Theyre more weather-resistant than other materials such as timbers, and they wont warp.

Wood gates: These are made from a wide variety of timbers and can be as simple as an unadorned picket fence, or as fancy as a solid hardwood gate with carved panels. In addition, wood can be combined with metals and other materials to create a designer look.

Ornamental gates: As the name implies, these gates typically feature a design scheme that can be simple and figural, or ornate and showy. These are generally made from wrought iron or other metals or timbers, and are meant to be a showcase feature on their own.

Japanese gates: These are primarily made from light woods and bamboos, and are constructed in a simple Asian style and sometimes lacquered in red, gold or black. Japanese gates are perfect for a Japanese Zen garden.

Choosing the right gate

Before you start looking at garden gates, take time to consider exactly what it is that you want. Try to match your gate to the mood and appearance of your garden. If you have a highly-structured garden with a contemporary layout, then a streamlined, minimalist-style gate might work best. Likewise, if you have a profuse cottage-style garden or more formal landscaping, you should choose an ornamental gate with an ornate thematic design. The material you choose should also tone in with your garden. Timber gates look especially charming when installed in a rustic country garden, while wrought iron or brass gates look splendid when showcased in a classic formal garden.

Aesthetics aside, youll also want to consider how much maintenance youre willing to do on your gate. Some materials, such as certain woods, might need weather treating or staining periodically. Other materials, such as brass, may need polishing. A heavy-duty outdoor type of material, such as wrought iron, will outlast any type of wood, and generally requires little maintenance.

Try to get the nicest-looking garden gate that you can afford. Even though it may seem like a small thing, a lovely little garden gate can actually be a focal point of your garden. Its an important design accessory that can last for years, so you’ll want to choose something that gives you pleasure every time you look at it.

Security additions for your gate

You’ll want to get a secure, heavy-duty lock for your gate. These can range from simple latch-type systems to complex electric locks that you can wire into a security system. You can also choose industrial-strength padlocks. Make sure you keep the key or the combination where you can easily access it in case of emergencies.

In addition to locks, consider setting up a high-tech intercom or security camera at the site of your gate. Intercoms, cameras and other similar electronic monitors can show you exactly who is standing outside so you can decide whether or not you’ll allow them to enter. In addition, these monitors can also show you if someone you don’t know is hanging around your property illegally.